Password-Only Authentication
Password-only authentication is a security method where users verify their identity by providing a secret password, typically a string of characters, without additional factors like biometrics or tokens. It is widely used in web applications, operating systems, and online services to control access to resources. This approach relies on the secrecy of the password, often stored in hashed form to protect against breaches.
Developers should learn password-only authentication for implementing basic access control in applications where simplicity and low cost are priorities, such as internal tools or low-risk websites. It is essential for understanding foundational security principles, but should be supplemented with stronger methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive data, as passwords alone are vulnerable to attacks like brute force or phishing.